AIB League - Cork Con, Shannon Division One Final

1 May 2004 17:02

Cork Constitution and Shannon will contest the final of the AIB League following their wins over Buccaneers and Belfast Harlequins respectively.

Cork Constitution and Shannon will contest the final of the AIB League following their wins over Buccaneers and Belfast Harlequins respectively. Con won 20-6 at Temple Hill while Shannon were 27-13 victors over Harlequins at Thomond Park.

In Division Two, Dublin University qualified for the final - where they'll play either UL Bohemians or UCC who play tomorrow - when they had a narrow 19-16 win over Old Belvedere at Merrion Road.

In Division Three, Greystones defeated City of Derry 33-28 but there was an upset in the other semi whjen Ards accounted for Highfield 33-19 at Woodleigh Park.

In Temple Hill, Con led 10-3 at half time but saw that lead reduced to just four points early in the second half when David Connellan landed his second penalty. However a scintillating run from the outstanding Anthony Horgan set up the crucial try for Jean-Vincent Igarza and with David Pusey and number 8 Brendan O'Connor excelling up front, Con ran out comfortable winners.

In Thomond Park, first half tries from Brian Tuohy and Mossie Lawlor helped the home side to a 15-3 interval lead. Ajay Derwin then landed a 47th minute penalty and a Rory Best try nine minutes later opened the possibility of a major upset as Shannon found themselves with just a two point cushion (15-13). However Tommy Cregan landed three penalties in the closing quarter while Andrew Thompson struck a cracking drop-goal to send Shannon to Lansdowne Road for the final next Saturday.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.